6 of Fashion Designer Ari Southiphong's Favorite Hawaii Spots

Fresh off of competing in Project Runway All-Stars Season 3 and whipping up her Andy South F/W ’13
collection, the local designer takes a moment to share a few of her go-to local spots.

By Brie Thalmann

Southiphong at her Andy South Atelier.

Photo: David Croxford

FASHION SPLURGES

Aloha Rag stocks a great collection of designers, such as Band of Outsiders, that can’t be found anywhere else in Hawaii, as well as their own house label, a chic line with a slight Hawaii touch. Shopping there is like being in NYC without having to fly for nine hours. 808-589-1352, aloharag.com.

JEWELRY

I love fine jewelry, but I also love mixing high-end with affordable. Imi Jewelry is made here in Hawaii­. The Full Native necklace is one of my favorites. Designer Lauren Yamashita also makes smaller items, such as petite pendants and earrings that are super-cute and definitely affordable. Owens and Co., 1152 Nuuanu Ave., 808-531-4300.

I first saw Diamond Guy Hawaii on Instagram (@diamondguy808) and connected with his vintage styles. He curates a collection of fine bridal and estate jewelry as well as makes his own custom pieces. My first piece from him was a beautiful, vintage marquee-cut diamond ring. 1188 Bishop St., by appointment only, diamondguyhawaii.com.

Boy by Band of Outsiders boatneck top, $345.

Imi Jewelry Full Native gold-fill necklace, $160.

Paiko air plants.

Photo: Gary Saito

ISLAND-INSPIRED GIFTS

Paiko is my favorite contemporary flower shop. Owners Tamara Rigney and Courtney Monahan really highlight the exotic plants that are here in Hawaii and they stock great locally made vessels. I love the whole feel of their work. They take something we often overlook and showcase its nuances in a way that’s similar to modern fashion. 675 Auahi St., 808-988-2165.

BEAUTY SPOT

The closest I get to pampering is keeping my lashes full and fabulous at Luxe Lashes, Leanne Kirk’s beauty boutique. I usually don’t wear makeup every day, so having extensions done keeps me looking put together. It’s amazing how something so subtle can make your life so much easier. 500 Ala Moana Blvd. #2E, 808-566-0929.

SIPS AND APPS

At Bevy in Kakaako, (co-owner) Christian Self has created a great place for signature cocktails and yummy bites. I love the oysters and house lemonade. 661 Auahi St., 808-594-7445.

MW Restaurant's deconstructed cheesecake dessert.

Photo: Martha Cheng

SPECIAL-OCCASION EATERY

My new favorite is the recently opened MW Restaurant. Even though many of the techniques in play there are French, there is a local, family-embracing feel to the food and the environment. It’s elegant without being snobby. And I will admit that I love chef Michelle Ueoka’s desserts. 1538 Kapiolani Blvd. Suite 106, 808-955-6505.

Keep an eye out for Southiphong’s pitch-perfect Andy South F/W ’13 collection, which seamlessly blends downtown-edge with refined construction. A few of our faves include its slinky asymmetrical pencil skirt, body-con dresses topped with Swarovski-crystal-embedded panels, and the minx-ish little wrap dress shown at right. Select styles are available at Neiman Marcus, Ala Moana Center, 808-951-8887.